ATLANTA — Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc. and Saudi Arabia-based Al Jammaz Group have signed an agreement to build 135 dual-branded Wendy's and Arby's restaurants in nine countries in the Middle East and North Africa over the next 12 years, the company has announced.
The agreement marks the first with an international franchisee to build dual-branded restaurants since the formation of Wendy's/Arby's Group in September 2008. The development of dual-branded restaurants is an important component of Wendy's/Arby's Group's long-term international strategy and growth plan, according to the company.
A subsidiary of Al Jammaz Group, Specialized Catering Services Est., with regional offices in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is scheduled to open the first of these restaurants in Saudi Arabia by early 2010.
"We believe dual-branded restaurants will generate higher sales volumes and better return on investment, making this approach particularly compelling to our international franchisees," said Roland Smith, president and CEO, Wendy's/Arby's Group.
There are two Arby's restaurants in the region, located in Dubai and Qatar. These restaurants are not part of the announced agreement with Al Jammaz.
Darrell van Ligten, senior vice president, strategic development, was brought in earlier this year to lead the company's dual branding and international efforts. Ligten works with International Division senior vice president Jim Hartenstein and his team to focus on disciplined expansion into selective new international markets.
All Wendy's and Arby's restaurants located outside North America are franchised.
